While wishing Priestland well in his rehabilitation, Davies believes that the Scarlets fly-half has been struggling for form.

"It is very disappointing for Rhys Priestland," Davies added. "It is very unlucky, a bad injury and no one wants to see that. It will take a long time for him to come back and I wish him a speedy recovery.

HEAD TO HEAD

Hook

Biggar

27

Age

23

67 (48)

Caps (starts)

11 (6)

346 (13 tries)

Points

54

v Arg, 2006

Debut

v Can, 2008

v NZ, 2012

Last Test

v Sam, 2012

45%

Win %

50%

"He has been worried about his game but when you are not playing well, sometimes you get rested and you can find your form again with your club. But that didn't happen with Rhys and unfortunately he had to do that in the public eye, playing for Wales."

Wales begin the defence of their Six Nations crown against Ireland on 2 February in Cardiff and Davies believes that Hook must start the campaign at fly-half.

Hook replaced the injured Jamie Roberts at centre after 24 minutes against Argentina in November, was not selected for the Samoa game and was unavailable on club duty for the final autumn Test against Australia.

"I don't know why they didn't select James Hook in the autumn Tests. Unless you are involved in that squad, it is difficult to say what their thinking is," Davies said.

"Whether it is because he plays in France, or whether they think he doesn't fit in structurally, I don't know.

"They know what Dan Biggar can do because he does it week in, week out, but I think this is an opportunity for Hook now.